Lebanese transport unions sounded the alarm on Monday after Syria imposed new restrictions on foreign trucks entering its territory, a move they say threatens Lebanon’s land transport sector and risks disrupting trade flows between the two countries.
The decision, issued by Syria’s General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs under its director general Qutaiba Ahmad Badawi, bars non-Syrian trucks from entering the country via land crossings. Under the new rules, foreign cargo must be unloaded inside customs zones and transferred onto Syrian trucks, with an exception made only for transit vehicles, which must be escorted by customs authorities.
Unions warn of immediate impact on drivers and perishable goods
Reacting to the measure, Bassam Tleiss, head of Lebanon’s road transport unions, said the decision would have “direct and negative repercussions” on drivers, traders, industrialists, and workers across the sector, particularly those transporting food and perishable goods that cannot withstand delays.
Tleiss stressed that the situation is made worse by the fact that Syrian trucks continue to enter Lebanon and operate normally, while Lebanese trucks are now barred from Syria.
“This threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of families and undermines a vital economic artery,” he said.
After contacting Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamny and Lebanon’s director general of land and maritime transport, Tleiss said he was informed the issue is under “serious follow-up” with Syrian authorities, including coordination with Damascus and Syria’s deputy prime minister, in an effort to reach solutions that protect the interests of both countries.
Calls for emergency meeting and bilateral mechanism
Transport unions are now calling for an urgent joint meeting bringing together Lebanese and Syrian officials alongside sector representatives to establish a comprehensive framework governing cross-border land transport.
Tleiss said such talks should cover freight trucks, transit transport, tourism vehicles, and related activities to ensure smooth operations and safeguard workers’ rights.
He emphasized that dialogue and coordination remain “the only path” to resolving the crisis.
Economic concerns and fears for Lebanon’s transit role
For his part, Marwan Al-Yaman, head of Lebanon’s maritime agents syndicate, expressed surprise at the Syrian decision, saying Beirut had hoped for measures easing transit fees, not tighter restrictions.
He warned that blocking Lebanese trucks could push traders to abandon Lebanese carriers altogether, adding pressure to refrigerated and sensitive cargo and potentially harming both economies.
Lebanon’s Union of Shipping, Transport, and Transit Syndicates said the move risks undermining Lebanon’s position as a key regional transit corridor.
Fragile economic ties
The decision comes at a sensitive moment for bilateral relations, as Lebanon struggles with economic recovery and relies heavily on overland routes through Syria for exports and regional trade.
Union leaders warned that unless swift diplomatic engagement takes place, the restrictions could deepen economic strain, disrupt supply chains, and further weaken already fragile commercial ties between Beirut and Damascus.
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